An Internet enabled iPod - What does that mean?

So the new iPod Touch comes with wi-fi functionality that means you can connect (indirectly) to the Internet from your iPod. It's the 'indirect' bit that may confuse many iPod Touch users.

Here's the basics of how it works...

My house is connected to BT Broadband (don't get me f*ckin started!). In my house, the broadband is connected to a Wireless Router that sits in my dining room (BT send you one when you sign up). The wireless router sends the broadband throughout the house 24/7, and in to my garden (it's a small house).

So the broadband is always present, in the air.

Now, I have a laptop and two desktops PC's with a wireless network cards. Anytime I turn them on, they automatically pick up the broadband in the air and allow me to do internet stuff.

That's Wi-Fi in a nutshell.

The new iPod Touch has everything built in to allow it to connect to my Broadband, as long as I'm in range of the wireless router (50ft seems to be my limit).

With this new connectivity expect a whole bunch of new apps to be made available for your iPod Touch. The same thing happened when mobile phones were able to connect to the internet a few years back. Loads of software applications were made available to make it worth while (even with a pissy screen size).

Wi-fi Zones. WTF?

Same principle as the home, but there's a 'beacon' on top of, or in a building (Starbucks have T-Mobile Wi-Fi Zones in a bunch in their coffee shops). While walking down the street (within the Wi-fi zone), or supping a latte, you can connect to the Internet.

I guessing the most iPod Touch users will gain their first wi-fi experience from being able to connect to iTunes and purchase songs, games and video etc. But at it's simplest, you'll be able to sit on your couch and browse the internet.

Any questions?

See also: 50 Million Free Songs to launch the Starbucks iTunes store (USA only)